Note: The Drive SELF-TEST Procedure can also be used to check the integrity of your media.
3. Try using another LTO data cartridge for your backup job. Mark any cartridge that fails. If you notice that the same
cartridge is involved in multiple failures, it may be time to replace that cartridge. In some cases, media suppliers will
replace a defective cartridge at no cost.
4. If you are trying to back up (write) data, verify that your cartridge is not write-protected. Check the red write-protect
switch on the edge of the cartridge, and confirm that it is in the unlocked position (see Setting the Write-Protect Switch).
Using LTO Ultrium Media
Use only IBM LTO Ultrium tape cartridges in the LTO tape drive. You may use other LTO-certified data cartridges, but they may
not meet the standards of reliability that are established by IBM. The IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridges cannot be interchanged
with the media used in other IBM non-LTO Ultrium tape products.
Figure 1 shows the IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridge and its components.
1 LTO cartridge
memory
A chip that contains information about the cartridge and the tape, as well as statistical
information about the cartridge's use.
2 Cartridge door Protects the tape from contamination when the cartridge is out of the drive.
3 Leader pin The tape is attached to a leader pin, behind the cartridge door. When the cartridge is
inserted into the drive, a threading mechanism pulls the pin (and tape) out of the
cartridge, across the drive head, and onto a non-removable take-up reel. The head can
then read or write data from or to the tape.
4 Write-protect
switch
Prevents data from being written to the tape cartridge. (For more information, see
Setting the Write-Protect Switch.)
5 Label area Provides a location to place a label. (To obtain tape cartridges and bar code labels, see
Ordering Tape Cartridges.)
Note: For more information about placing the cartridge labels, see Placing the Cartridge
Labels.
6 Insertion guide A large, notched area that prevents the cartridge from being inserted incorrectly.
Figure 1. LTO Ultrium Cartridge Components
Cartridge Memory Chip (LTO-CM)
All generations of the IBM LTO Ultrium Data Cartridges include a Linear Tape-Open Cartridge Memory (LTO-CM) chip (1 in
Figure 1), that contains information about the cartridge and the tape (such as the name of the manufacturer that created the
tape), as well as statistical information about the cartridge use. This chip is located inside the cartridge housing and is not
visible. The LTO-CM enhances the efficiency of the cartridge. For example, the LTO-CM stores the end-of-data location which,
when the next time this cartridge is inserted and the Write command is issued, enables the drive to quickly locate the
recording area and begin recording. The LTO-CM also aids in determining the reliability of the cartridge by storing data about its
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